Response

Response

Track Listings

1. Response

2. Scarpia

3. Days of the Liar

4. Lightning Field

5. Prevail

6. Lock Me Up

7. Emtec

8. You Think You Know?

9. Belo Horizonte [Album Mix]

10. ...and I Will Find You

Tracks:

O vis aeternitatis - Sequentia
Nunc aperuit nobis
Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit
Cum processit factura digiti Dei
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Ave Maria, O auctrix vite
Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite
O ignis spiritus Paracliti
Caritas habundat in omnia
O virgia mediatrix
O virdissima virga, Ave
Instrumental
O Pastor Animarum
O tu suavissima virga
O choruscans stellarum
O nobilissima viriditas

Amazon.com

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of her music for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is right for the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumes released by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendary visions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religious community of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes an unobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmonies of the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple, direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerily accompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Simply awe inspiring and amazing.......2007-05-20

One would have to listen to this music to understand the power it will hold over you. Ethereal and almost eery, yet full of power, grace and triumph, this will be a mainstay in your collection. The only thing resembling it that the mass public would be aware of is Gregorian Chant, although this is it's own beast and so much more. It's not expensive, buy it and see for yourself.

Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed........2007-05-13

I had first heard this performance of St. Hildegard of Bingen's "Canticles of Ecstasy" on sound cassette and loved it.

The music is sublime. The female voices are heavenly, without a hint of sentimentality.

When you listen to "Canticles of Ecstasy" you will know how this medieval nun and composer felt about things.

Caution. They could make a believer of you.

canticles of Ecstay.......2007-03-23

This is a very good CD I highly recomend it if you love chant. I am glad to have it in my collection.

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy.......2006-07-25

This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts.......2006-02-23

I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

Average customer rating:

Hyponotic music from an early great composer
One of my favorite albums of all time.
Luminous
Heavenly
Short, but still the very best of Hildegard of Bingen. Buy It.

Feather on the Breath of God

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Kirkby, Emma | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Luminous Spirit
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
Secrets of God: Writings of Hildegard of Bingen

ASIN: B000002ZGD
Release Date: 1993-09-01

Tracks:

Sequentia de Sancto Maximo: Columba aspexit
Ymnus de Sancta Maria: Ave, generosa
Sequentia de Spiritu Sancto: O ignis spiritus
De Sancto Ruperto: O ierusalem
De sancto Euchario sequentia: O Euchari
De Sancta Maria: O viridissima virga
Sequentia de Sancto Dysibodo: O presul vere civitatis
De Undecim Milibus Virginbus: O Ecclesia

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the record that started the Hildegard craze back in 1982--and you need only listen to Emma Kirkby glide and soar through Columba aspexit (the opening hymn) to understand why. Gothic Voices performs the music very simply, either alternating soloists and unison choir over a drone or using a single unaccompanied voice. The singers render Hildegard's extravagant poetic imagery and melody not with the rhythmically fluid, ecstatic approach favored by Sequentia, but with equalist rhythm and a calm, meditative quality. Gothic Voices' straightforward approach is less likely to send you into a rapturous trance than is Sequentia's, but in the hands of such fine singers as Kirkby, Margaret Philpot, and Emily van Evera, Hildegard's extraordinary texts and melodies are captivating--and clear enough to linger in the memory as melodies rather than just sensations. This record is still Hyperion's bestselling title by far--try it and find out why. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Hyponotic music from an early great composer.......2007-03-10

The Abbess Hildegard of Bingen wrote hypnotic, haunting music a thousand years ago (she lived from 1098-1179). The notes from this CD state that: "This recording draws upon Hildegard's large collection of music and poetry. . .which she continued to enlarge and enrich throughout her life. It contains some of the finest songs ever written in the Middle Ages. . . . The songs are conceived on a large--sometimes a massive--scale; it is in superabundance that Hildegard found herself both as poetess and composer." Hers is a very different style of music from what we are used to today. And the voices of Emma Kirkby and "Gothic Voices" (a group) appear to capture the spirit and soul of this music well.

Kirkby has a crystalline clear and clean voice. In "Columba aspexit," Kirkby and supporting voices paint a musical tapestry that is hypnotic (a common phrase that can be used across the songs). In "Ave, generosa," Kirkby sings the hymn solo and without any instrumental backing. An enchanting piece. Three tenors from "A Gothic Voice" essay "O ignis spiritus." Their voices meld together well and their take on this has a spiritual element. A final example (no need to mention each of the cuts on the CD). . . . "O Jerusalem" features both Kirkby and some members of "A Gothic Voice." The voices play off one another well. Another nicely done work.

This is a good introduction to ancient but interesting music. Kirkby once again shows her skills off to good effect, with an assist from "A Gothic Voice."

One of my favorite albums of all time........2007-03-06

This is the best Hildegard von Bingen recording I have heard. It features the marvelous English soprano, Emma Kirkby.

This is an older recording. I first bought the album on vinyl. I bought it again on CD. Now it is in heavy rotation on my ipod. This is simply one of the best pieces of vocal music ever recorded, any age, any genre.

Enjoy.

Luminous.......2006-11-27

Landmark recording of the early Kirkby glorying in this beautiful music. Ears that can do East and West may like to sample 'Shruti' by Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay - a similarly evocative and remarkable recording.

Heavenly.......2006-11-15

This CD is a Masterpiece. I often play this before I go to sleep. If you want a CD that will totally relax you and clear your sole then you can't go past this great piece of work. The music and voices are Heavenly. I really admire Hildgard and her work. She was very ahead of her time. I very highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves beauty.

Short, but still the very best of Hildegard of Bingen. Buy It........2005-12-20

'A feather on the breath of God' is a performance of eight 'Sequences and Hymns' by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen' which has been lauded by Gramophone Magazine as a 'Best of' in the year it was released.

I have heard two other performances of Hildegard of Bingen compositions and to my amateur ear, these are the best. With soloist Emma Kirkby plus the instrumental backup, they are certainly more interesting than the a capella treatment by the Anononymous 4.

Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

An aural treat for lovers of vocal music
Enchanting
If Angels Ever Recorded A CD
another exquisite performance
Anonymous, but in no way generic

A Portrait Of Anonymous 4
Anonymous , Hildegard of Bingen , and Anonymous 4
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

American Angels
Gloryland
1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King

ASIN: B0000007HW
Release Date: 1997-04-10

Tracks:

Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Venite omnes cristicole
Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Ad superni regis decus
Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Portum in ultimo
The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: O Maria stella maris
The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: Stabat iuxta Christi crucem
The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: Stillat in stellam radium
A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Primo tempore alleviata
A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Speciosus forma
A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Mi Atyank Atya Isten
Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Puisque bele dame m'eime - Flos Filius
Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Ne sai, que je die - Iohanne
Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Amor potest conqueri - Ad amorem sequitur
Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Quant yver la bise ameine - In Seculum
Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: On doit fin(e) Amor - La Biaute - In Seculum
An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Edi beo thu hevene quene
An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Ave maris stella
An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Salve virgo virginum
On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Ther Is No Rose Of swych vertu
On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Prolis eterne genitor - psallat mater gracie
On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Ecce quod natura
Spiritui sancto

Amazon.com

This sampler album of excerpts from seven other Anonymous 4 releases is a good introduction for anyone who is unacquainted with the A4's startlingly pure singing and virtually celestial blend. But if you fall under the spell of this outstanding a capella quartet, the present disc will become extraneous because you'll want to own the complete recordings from which it's drawn. If you prefer complete works to samplers, try taking the plunge with "An English Ladymass" or "On Yoolis Night." --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

An aural treat for lovers of vocal music.......2007-04-14

If you love vocal music these gals are fabulous! This is a best of album, which is always good as an introduction to a new artist. It gives you a taste of their various albums, so you can go ahead and pursue the ones you like. Enjoy!

Enchanting.......2007-01-10

If you enjoy music that takes you to a different time and place, you will get lost in time with this beautiful work.

If Angels Ever Recorded A CD.......2006-03-16

Four female voices have never blended together so perfectly and beautifully as do those of the 'Anonymous 4.' Their CD titled, 'Portrait' contains a selection of tracks from seven other previous CD's, kind of a "Best Of" you might say.

If angels ever came down from heaven to record a CD this is what they would sound like.

Harmonious, Celestial, Purifying and Eternal.

another exquisite performance.......2006-02-27

This amazing quartette is so talented. The Christmas cd reminds me of Christmas 50 years ago in rural England where I grew up. It contains the only rendition of The Holly and the Ivy I have heard that actually does the carol justice.

Anonymous, but in no way generic.......2001-02-04

I learned about this quartet though a review in Stereophile magazine. Although they don't publish a lot of reviews, I've had exceptionally good luck with their past picks and have been able to branch out successfully in new musical directions as a result.

These four women are virtuoso female vocalists, hauntingly pure of voice. They perform music from centuries ago in the same type of setting that it was originally performed in, with stunning results. I'm generally not one for "religious" material (this is the first recording of this nature I've ever bought), but this music goes so far back in time that it sounds more primal than Christian overall.

Tracks:

O rubor sanguinis
Favus distillans
Laus Trinitati
In Maututnis Laudbus
O Ecclesia
Instrumental Piece
O Aeterne Deus
O dulcissme amator
Rex nostoer promptus est
O Cruor Sanguinis
Cum Vox Sanguinis
Instrumental Piece
O Virgo Ecclesia Instrumental Piece
Nunc Guadeant Materna
O Orzchis Ecclesia

Customer Reviews:

Highest Quality Hildegard.......2005-09-28

Sequentia's entire series of Hildegard recordings is inspired, but there is a rather inarticulable quality to this cd that somehow soars even higher. It is apparently a result of the centrality of the Ursula stories, here musically illustrated, to Hildegard's entire conception of herself as a pledged virgin and artisan, and the freedom she found within that role to allow her gifts to fly as high as they could for the glory of God. Nor, in our terms, was it any sort of solo act: Hildegard stood quite consciously at the pinnacle of a vast supporting structure of devotion, prayer, sacred order and art.

Absolutely divine........1999-10-26

"My husband and I first encountered this CD in our local library. It's one of those encounters that transformed our life. Listening to it almost daily, while we're getting ready for the day, while we're working on our computers, or while doing the dishes, has helped us have an experience of the divine no matter where we are or what we're doing. Ever since we were introduced to the work of St. Hildegard of Bingen, we have read quite a bit about her and her works and are truly grateful to this great soul for what she has given our world. This CD is a great introduction to the world of Hildegard, together with another fine CD, Feather on the Breath of God."

Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations

Average customer rating:

Amazing, but not what I was looking for
Outstanding music and performances!
Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations ~ Hildegard of B
STERENCE SINGS FOR EUCHARIUS AND DISIBOD
delightfully pure

Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
Feather on the Breath of God
Luminous Spirit

ASIN: B00000141Q
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

O Euchari
Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix
Ave Generosa
Laus Trinitati
Kyrie
O Presul Vere
O Ignis Spiritus
Procession From 'Ordo Virtutum'
O Pastor Animarum
O Viridissima Virga
O Virga Ac Diadema

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, but not what I was looking for.......2006-10-06

I bought this album to explore more tracks by Hildegard after listening to one of her songs on an anthology. This music crosses centuries, languages, and religions, I feel. I am not a Christian, and the reason I listen to Georgian Chant is to study, because it focuses my thoughts exponentially. It completely drowns out the noise of the world and helps to gather my ideas. This did not get 5 stars because it wasn't what I was looking for. I wanted to hear tracks with a mixed gender choir but this album only goes from single male/male choir to single female/female choir, on alternating tracks.

This is still an excellent study aid and should be recommended for use as much as pencils and pens.

Outstanding music and performances!.......2005-08-31

The music in this CD is simply outstanding! I was very surpised when I bought this CD and discovered that it surpasses many other more "colourful" recordings of Hildegard's music (regardless of the price.)

For those who are not interested in aesthetic, artistic or musical merit but who are simply looking for "relaxing" music for contemplation, meditation etc, I am very pleased to say that this is probably the most relaxing and peaceful music I've ever heard (and I've tried many.) Its healing effect on my mind and nervous system is almost instant and that in a very balanced and harmonious way.

Highly higly highly recommended.

Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations ~ Hildegard of B.......2005-05-11

To the modern ear and mind Hildegard of Bingens sounds very different. There are no instruments and the vocals are sung in unison and not as seperate to vocals but united as one. This might sound simplistic and many would say that because she lacked formal training. This is based on feelings rather logic and one can sense that they are jelous of her natural ability to write music. The lyrics are amazing, the vocals are not as easy to sing as they sound and Hillegard of Bingen was and is still today an amazing composer and lyricist.

STERENCE SINGS FOR EUCHARIUS AND DISIBOD.......2004-01-26

It was a distressing surprise to find that my Oxford Companion to Music does not even contain an entry for Hildegard of Bingen. I had half-heard some broadcast discussion of her a few years back, but anything I know about her really comes from the liner notes with this disc, fortunately among the better specimens of their kind that I have encountered recently.

Hildegard was abbess of a distinctly upmarket Benedictine convent located near Bingen-am-Rhein in the early 12th century. She was clearly a formidable woman, being a seer and visionary consulted by Popes and potentates, a writer on scientific matters and a poet and composer as well. This disc contains 55 minutes or so of selections from her `Symphony of the Harmony of Divine Revelations', a collection of poems in her own highly individual and vigorous version of the Latin of the time, set to her own music. The music has a distant resemblance to the Gregorian chant, believed to have originated around the 8th century. It is all monody, though some of the numbers are accompanied by a sustained background note, originating exactly where and how I could not be sure. The music contains some flourishes that would have been out of place in the plainsong but which seem natural enough in the context of her spiritual-carnal imagery. This can be downright weird here and there. My recollection is still boggling at

Nunc sit laus Deo
In forma pulchre tonsure
Viriliter operante

`Now let there be praise to God in the form of a beautiful tonsure working in manly mode'.

There is an excerpt from her musical morality-drama the Ordo Virtutum, in which an assemblage of Virtues battle with the devil for control of a woman's soul, but most of the numbers are in praise of either the Trinity, the Blessed Virgin, or saints Eucharius and Disibod. I have not in my life so far encountered anyone named after these saints, but one of the admirable Oxford Camerata rejoices in the first name Sterence, so I suppose there may be some Eucharii and Disibods out there too. The words are given in full, with English translation, both absolute essentials as far as this music is concerned. The liner note is admirably honest in refusing to take a critical position regarding the real quality and worth of such unfamiliar stuff, and I propose to follow its example. I bought this disc for curiosity, for my own education and out of a general wish to support the production of out-of-the-way music. Rating it in the matters where I feel competent to rate it, I am happy to report that the singing is of the highest order of professionalism, exactly what one has come to expect from any Summerly production, and that the recording is admirable too.

delightfully pure.......2000-04-02

for someone interested in early music this is a good place to start- von bingen's visions speak to us across nine centuries.

liner notes are minimal, as is the case with most NAXOS titles, but lyrics in latin and english are provided, which is nice.

oxford camerata is amazing- many of the solo sections for female voice soar with great beauty. the choice of recording location (chapel of hertford college, oxford) adds a tiny bit of acoustic abience without being distracting.

Tracks:

Hymn - Veni Creator Spiritus
Sequence - Veni Spiritus Eternorum
Antiphon - O Quam Mirabilis Est
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Sequence - O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Responsory - O Felix Anima
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Hymn - O Ignee Spiritus
Vision 4 - Love
Vision 4 - Love
Antiphon - Caritas Habundat In Omnia
Antiphon - O Eterne Deus
Hymn - Beata Nobis Gaudia

Amazon.com

The bad news is that this is Anonymous 4's final recording. The good news is that it's one of their best. Aside from a pair of brief 9th-century chants that flank the main program, the disc focuses on the music of Hildegard von Bingen, the 12th-century Benedictine nun whose liturgical works broke new ground in their visionary texts, rich imagery, and melodic range. The selections here relate to themes associated with the Holy Spirit--the fire of creation, wisdom, the life-giving spirit, and love. The imagery of Hildegard's visionary texts is replete with references to the basic elements--air, earth, fire, and water. The results are boldly original, at least within the restricted confines of chant, which offer compelling listening experiences as performed in the lustrous tones of Anonymous 4. The program includes a pair of Hildegard's most-rhapsodic extended visionary pieces, the consoling "O spirit of fire, bringer of comfort," and "I am the great and fiery power," whose soaring opening musical lines still can shock. Harmonia Mundi, as usual, captures the purity of Anonymous 4's singing in vivid sonics and provides deluxe production values, including a profusely illustrated booklet, with full texts and translations. --Dan Davis

Interview with Marsha Genensky of Anonymous 4
Anonymous 4's Marsha Genensky speaks about the ensemble's swan song in our special interview.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful CD .......2007-04-29

I own 13 A-4 discs and this is my second favorite, after On Yoolis Night. The recording sounds a little muddy and they do, uncharacteristically take some liberties with the translations, but .... This was recorded in a real chapel (as were most of their later releases) and the extensive liner notes are, as usual, present. The presentation and delivery are among the best that A-4 have ever done. These 4 ladies each have wonderful voices that blend together magnificently. If you are an A-4 fan, you need to own this.

Great music; interesting group.......2007-01-05

The music of Hildegard Von Bingen is, without question, some of the most important we have from the Middle Ages. This album has a very capable set of performances by Anonymous 4, but the drawback is the very sameness of sound to each and every track. Yes, they sing well, but where is the variety of timbre? Where are the percussion instruments that have been used in other recordings and performances of these works? They could have used some help from some men's voices, too. Otherwise, it's perfectly recorded, but with repeat listenings becomes more trying.

My humble opinion............2005-12-28

I gave this CD an above average rating. I did so because this is the 3rd CD that I have purchased from Anonymous 4 and to be quite honest they all sound the same to me. I personally feel that the style of Hildegard is heavy, crisp, intentional and complicated. It is unique compared to other styles of anicent choral music. Anonymous 4 has a very light, airy almost contemporary feel to whatever they sing. In the CD insert Anonymous 4 goes on to express how they prepared to sing the medeival music in latin with a German accent because that is where Hildegard was from, and that this is how she would have sung her music. But honestly I don't think one can tell. Like I said, this is my third CD from them and they all sound the same. Don't get me wrong ladies. You 4 have gorgeous voices but I have found that the albums by Sequentia that sing in Hildegard's von Bingen tradition to be more authentic. I recommend to those interested to try Chanticles of Extasy by Sequentia or any of Sequentia's albums. You'll understand what I mean after you compare them for yourselves.

Completely beautiful.......2005-11-08

This musical is relaxing uplifting, simple yet complicated. A total mental experience filled with beauty.

The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen.......2005-08-14

If you enjoy the music of Anonymous 4, you'll be thouroughly impressed with this presentation of Hildegard's music to God. Excellent is not enough praise for this interpretation.

Average customer rating:

For historical reference, a must have.
A real rarity
a voice teacher and early music fan
What a beautiful voice!
A new world opened in front of me.

Moreschi - The Last Castrato

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Arias for Farinelli
Moreschi: The Last Castrato (Life & Times)
Farinelli
The World of the Castrati: The History of an Extraordinary Operatic Phenomenon
Farinelli

ASIN: B000000WYS
Release Date: 1993-01-21

Tracks:

Domine salvum fac
Et incarnatus est, Crucifixus
Ideale
Ave verum
Tui sunt coeli
Ave verum
Crucifixus
Crucifixus
Pie jesu
Hostias et preces
Preghiera
Ave Maria
Incipt lamentatio
Laudamus te
Improperia
La cruda mia Nemica
Oremus pro pontifice
Pope Leo XIII

Customer Reviews:

For historical reference, a must have........2007-05-09

If you're looking for the best quality recording, it's not due to the recording technologies of that time; Allessandro Moreschi died in 1922. But, if you want to hear how a castrato could sound like, it's a great recording reference. Sound quality is average; a lot of hiss and clicks. The singer or the singing "seems" average too: a lot of scooping (remember: different times, different singing techniques, different tastes; could be the result of singing in the acoustics of the Sistine Chapel). But, I don't regret my choice because I wanted a recording I could go back to and appreciate the evolution of singing throughout history.

A real rarity.......2007-05-07

Very interesting and rare recordings of the last castrato, even if his voice was at that time already rather exhausted. The most fascinating thing is to hear from living the voice of a Pope of the XIXth Century as Leo XIII was.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-10-03

Professor Alessandro Moreschi (1858-1922),made in 1902-3 about 10 recordings all devoted to 19th century religious music. For us today the great question is: how far do Moreschi's records allow us to form any notion of the characteristics of castrato singing in the great periods? To that question there can be no certain answer, but I think that the resemblance must be slight! To begin with Moreschi's technique, far from being impeccable, often sounds shaky; in some passages he fumbles for his notes and wavers almost comically as Florence Foster Jenkins herself. These vocal shortcomings can hardly be ascribed to the singer's advanced age, for in his mid-forties he ought to have been not far past him prime. Ancient though the records are, they are reasonably well-recorded and probably give a fairly accurate impression of Moreschi's tone quality, if not his volume. The voice, unquestionably a soprano, resembles that of neither boy or woman, being stronger than the one and less sauve than the other. And I am totally sure that he is a long way from Farinelli. He is surprising, but never exquisite. The most painful for me to listen to were:'Ave Verum' Mozart- 'Crucifixus' from 'Petite Messe Solenelle' Rossini-and 'Ave Maria' Schubert. My problem with this disc is no doubt the fact that I would not want anyone to think that Moreschi's voice even in his prime was in any way equal to the great castrati singers of the 17th century!!!!

What a beautiful voice!.......2005-08-16

Moreschi's voice is incredibly beautiful. You have to get beyond the fact that this is an old recording and just listen to him hit those high notes without sounding shrill or breaking apart. In the end, this is your only chance to listen to a real castrato, and a good one at that.

A new world opened in front of me........2005-08-16

As a long-time lover of classical music but an amateur in opera I got interested into the opera voices and the castrato voices especially since I read a book about the castratos (Anne Rice: Cry to Heaven).
I was at first slightly shocked about the CD. Spoiled by our standards today I had to get used to the voices and especially to the low quality of the recordings (1902-04). The more I was listening the better I liked it. I started to understand that this long ago poeple were feeling different and therefore singing different. So many more emotions and so much suffering, you can hear it in the music if you can open up to it and, ignore the bad technical part of it.
I don't regret buying this rare recording since it gave me more than just music.
Thanks for saving these recordings and thanks to Amazon for making it possible to buy them.

Hildegard von Bingen: Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs) - Sequentia

Average customer rating:

Astonishingly Beautiful Music
Heavenly Music
Great Introduction to Mystical Songs

Hildegard von Bingen: Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs) - Sequentia

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations
Hildegard von Bingen: Saints
Luminous Spirit

ASIN: B000001TWA
Release Date: 1993-04-29

Tracks:

Geistiliche Gesange: O quam mirabilis est
Geistiliche Gesange: O pulchare facies (De Virginibus)
Geistiliche Gesange: O virga ac diadema purpurae regis (De sancta Maria)
Geistiliche Gesange: Instrumental
Geistiliche Gesange: O clarissma mater (De sancta Maria)
Geistiliche Gesange: Instrumental
Geistiliche Gesange: Spiritui Sancto honor sit (De Undecim Milibus Virginibus)
Geistiliche Gesange: O virtus sapientiae
Geistiliche Gesange: O lucidissima Apostolorum turba (De Apostolis)
Geistiliche Gesange: Instrumental
Geistiliche Gesange: O successores fortissimi leonis (De Confessoribus)
Geistiliche Gesange: O vos, felices radices (De Patriarchis et Prophetis)
Geistiliche Gesange: Instrumental
Geistiliche Gesange: Vos flores rosarum (De Martyribus)

Customer Reviews:

Astonishingly Beautiful Music.......2002-11-15

This was the first CD of Hildegard Von Bingen I purchased, and still my favorite. The sprituality and brilliance of this 12th century composer has (in my opinion) rarely been duplicated since. The complexity of the voicings in "O quam mirabilis est" and "Spiritui Sancto honor sit" among the the others, are wonderfully inspired and articulate. There are also four instumental songs on this cd. Which are an excellent study in modal shifts between the medieval fiddles,flutes and harp.The musical brilliance of Sequentia is evident in these arrangements. To the best of my knowledge these are the truest renditions of Hildegard's music extant.

Heavenly Music.......2002-08-17

Put on your headphones, or listen to this CD while taking a bath or meditating in a quiet place. This music will touch your soul. It seems to exist on a different level than other music. There is nothing quite like it to calm and uplift the spirit. If I could only have one Hildegard CD, this would be the one.

Great Introduction to Mystical Songs.......1998-12-14

This recording deserves a special place for what it has done to bring the works of Hildegarde before the public. Recorded in the late 80's, it led the way, as has Sequentia, in bringing such early music treasures as Hildegarde before the listening public.

Tracks:

11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - Auctori vite psalmis - Invitatory - Venite exsultemus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Symphonia virginum - O dulcissime amator
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Jesu corona virginum
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Responsory - Spiritui sancto
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Versicle - Specie tua
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Responsory -Favus distillans
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benedicamus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - Studium divinitatis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Psalm 92 - Dominus regnavit - Studium divinitatis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Sequence - O Ecclesia
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benedicamus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Chapter - Domine deus meus
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Brief responsory - Mirabilis deus
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Cum vox sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - O rubor sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Canticle - Magnificat anima mea - O rubor sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Te lucis ante terminum
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benidicamus domino

Amazon.com essential recording

All the world loves Hildegard--and the four women of Anonymous 4 may be the best interpreters of her music since the 12th century. St. Ursula was the legendary daughter of a British king who, with her army of virgin companions, was martyred in Cologne, perhaps in the fifth century; Hildegard wrote these Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula for use in a highly solemn celebration along with other liturgical chants. It is in this context that Anonymous 4 presents this program, interspersing chants and psalmody with Hildegard's compositions, sometimes employing drones and polyphonic embellishment. The musical effect is a mixture of awesome reverence and earthly sensuousness. The combination of four different women's voices in perfect unison creates a richly colored sound that can lull or console or uplift. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Great Medieval Plainsong. Not all from Hildegard.......2005-11-04

'11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula' performed by the vocal quartet, Anonymous 4' is 72 minutes of music at least as good as any of their other albums. But, over half of the pieces on this record are by medieval composers OTHER than Fraulein Hildegard. So, the emphasis of the album is much more on 'Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula' than on Hildegard.

This does not disappoint, as the performances are superb, regardless of the composer. My only regret is that the notes did not tell more of the story of the 11,000 virgins. When I was visiting the Rhineland, this was a big local story, even though it happened over a 1,000 years ago, even before Hildegard's time.

But that's minor grousing. This is great music. Buy it if you like Medieval liturgical music!

Approaching perfection..........2005-10-13

The music on this CD comes from the great Hildegard of Bingen, one of the towering female figures from the Middle Ages. Hildegard is not only one of the few women whose name has come down to us from the Middle Ages, but one of the few composers of any sort whose name survives together with his or her compositions. Hildegard was a sort of Renaissance woman before the Renaissance, whose fame spread in her lifetime such that she was advisor of monarchs and popes, as well as a significant creative and mystical figure.

Between 1150 and 1160, she composed and collected poetry and musical works under the title 'Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations'. Much of her music was monophonic in nature, and tied to the liturgy. The Anonymous 4 in their performance sometimes add polyphonic embellishments and vocal drones to chants and psalmody.

Hildegard's abbey possessed relics of St. Ursula, and Hildegard wrote many pieces in honour of the saint to be performed by the women of her abbey. This particular recording of women's voices doing these pieces is therefore quite natural and back to the original intent of Hildegard's compositions.

Hildegard's style is unique, as are the vocal talents of the Anonymous 4 - the combination here is something that approaches perfection.

-- Liner Notes --
This text accompaniment to this disc is very full, so much so that the booklet is not contained within the jewel case, but rather within a slipcover in which both the CD/jewel case and the booklet reside. The liner notes include a description of the work, a brief piece about the quartet, and the lyrics of the songs both in original language and in translation - all repeated in English, German, and French sections.

-- Anonymous 4 --
Contrary to the implication of their name, the Anonymous 4 are not anonymous. This is a vocal quartet made up of Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer, and Johanna Rose at the time of this recording (Ruth Cunningham will later go on to a solo career early, and another member will join - Jacqueline Horner). They came together as a formal group in 1986, and have been ensemble-in-residence at St. Michael's Church in New York City, giving concert series in New York as well as throughout North America. They have been featured a number of times on national media in North America as well as Germany. They then went on to yet more success, eventually performing more that 1000 concerts worldwide.

Their specialty is working with chant, monophonic and polyphonic music, and working with medieval texts. According to one source, 'The group takes its name from an anonymous music theorist of the late 13th century, Anonymous IV, who is the principal source on the two famous composers of the Notre Dame school, Léonin and Pérotin.'

The group ended a touring career of nearly two decades in 2004.

beautiful, meditative music.......2001-10-28

This is beautiful music. The four women's voices are so soothing. This is an ideal CD to listen to if for relaxation, meditation, or prayer. I listen to it while I practice yoga. The music is also very important historically, as Hildegard von Bingen is one of the few women composers in the history of Western music. Many of these insipiring tracks were written by her.

Glorious Music.......2000-11-30

Another superb CD by "Annonymous 4", these women are some of the best at creating music for the soul. Quite meditative in nature it is truly amazing that this music was written so long ago and continues to inspire. The accompanying booklet gives you plenty of background information on Hildegard von Bingen and why these songs were written. The included artwork is an additional bonus if you're inclined to like the works of Hildegard von Bingen. The music is just sheer beauty, angelic voices in a world of chaos. The music is relaxing and perfect for creative and contemplative moods. The perfect reading music or for that matter anytime the pace needs to be slowed down . It is best listened to to free one's mind of all earthly concerns and to focus on more spiritual matters. An excellent choice for those moments of connecting to the meaning and purpose of our existences.

There's something about this one........2000-03-31

Meditative, haunting, stirring- an archetypical mastery of the female voice in Christian chant. 73 minutes.

Celestial Light: Music Of Hildegard von Bingen & Robert Kyr

Average customer rating:

Insane or a Saint?
Peaceful, soothing, one of the best.

Celestial Light: Music Of Hildegard von Bingen & Robert Kyr

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003D2I
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

O Lucidissima
Novi Sideris Lumen Respenduit
O Cruor Sanguinis
Deus Misertus Hominis
O Tu Illustrata
Flos Ut Rosa Floruit
O Viridissima Virga
I. Song To The Creator
II. Song Of The Virgin To Her Son
III. Song To The Virgin
Nunc Gaudeant
O Eterne Deus
Ave Maris Stella
O Nobilissima Viriditas

Customer Reviews:

Insane or a Saint?.......2000-11-03

I first became of aware of the controversial seeress and prophetess Hildegard von Bingen a few years back and was fascinated and further explored her life. Critisized by many as nothing more than a mentally and physically tortured soul who suffered from hallucinations and hailed by many as a medieval saint whose visions, life and writings were inspired by divine intervention. Take a listen to this CD, which is based on her "Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelation" and there can be no doubt. Take a listen and you be the judge. The theme of this music is light and the sound is sheer beauty. The music is vocalized by a group of women called "Tapestry" and they weave magic with their voices. The harmonizing and solo performances are extraordinary and inspirational. Upon listening you wil forget that you are listening to four voices, the music makes you forget all as the "light' fills your mind and you transend worldly distractions. The fact that you are listening to voices only is astounding alone because the voice captures your attention and has you so focused that you do not notice the absence of musical accompanyment. Our modern ears are used to hearing musical accompanyment with vocals so it is very refreshing to hear this musical bliss. This is medieval chant that is performed with ecstatic intensity. Like much of the medieval music that uses unmeasured chants, Hildegard's music displays unique and wonderful expressions of pacing and expression. A special cycle of motets are written for "Tapestry" to perform on this CD entitled"Circling Wheel" with text by Hildegard, in Latin as she never set them to music. The hour long medieval experience is unique and an experience that is quite heavenly. As intended, "Celestial Light" fills you with light. File this under otherworldly and inspirational, music that is good for your soul.

Peaceful, soothing, one of the best........1999-06-19

An excellent way to begin sampling Hildegarde von Bingen. This is a simply luscious CD--not so soothing as to be downright bland, but serene and intricate at the same time.

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